I don't have the time to read through all the posts made, but I've seen it before and I can imagine the range of opinions. Either way the speed you were doing especially with another car was stupid and we've all done stuipd things before. The best advice I can give is get a lawyer. You do not want to risk getting the full weight of the law on this one as it will cost you big time on insurance and a suspension will limit your insurance options. It's your right to get the best representation available so use it.

LOL I hope that isn't referring to my thread from a year ago. :) It could be construed along those lines, although I beg to differ. Y'all are high-horse-riding, condescending bastards about some things. ;)

The Martha Fleishman/Ben R. situation couldn't be any more different.

Also, I am not saying he was right to speed but come on, have you ever done more than 20 over the speed limit? Have you ever had your porsche to 90 or 100??? I think that almost everyone on the forum has "opened up" their porsche a little and we were all lucky that we didn't come accross a radar gun (or even worse, an accident).

_____________________
I respond to you via PM and yes it makes a big difference if it's circled infraction. I sent you a PM. read it and get back to me.

_________________

I think at this point his main concern is not money or insurance but suspension. That's the kicker.

_______________

Sorry, but I don't buy ANY of the retained versus court appoint/low cost lawyers. Statistics bear out that there's no difference on the quality of legal representation when it comes to how much you pay, if your poor and appointed a lawyer.

I'm a prosecutor. I know plenty of court appointed attorneys I deal with who I'd have represent me in any sort of case, including murder, than many "high" priced lawyers.

We have all acted foolishly and at some point we all stand accountable. How we conduct ourselves during these times is really the measure of the man.

TriGem2k, good luck in facing this challenge. Let your father know about this but don't let him bail you out. He did this stuff too when he was your age. Take this opportunity to show him that he raised you right. It may sting a little though.

you know what sux the most, is that for that little fraction of the time that u sped up (and i hope u werent planning to drive at that speed for long) you are going trouugh all this BS.
yes a lot of us have been at that speed or even higher, but in reality we all should have been cought, ticketed, cars impounded, licence suspended. but it just happened that you got cought.
when you think about it, on a day to day bases, you can get so many tickets, going a few miles over the limit, maybe not signaling when changing lanes, maybe not having the seatbelt on, no front plate if required, possibly going trough a yellow when its about to change to red...you get the point.
but it is frustrating, it will cost you money, it will cost you time, it may mess up your record and screw up your insurance (and your family as well since its under their name if i read that correctly), having to try to explain to your dad/judge why in the hell you were going that fast.

but still, if you were cruising at about 75 lets say, and you kinda get used to that speed, going up to 120 or whatever doesnt seem like much, so theres that as well, its like getting off the highway and trying to adjust from 65 to 34 :(

hope it all works out tho man, please do let us know how it all turns out

Please. Ben R. felt like being capricious by not wearing a helmet and motorcycling -- something a person like him, a professional athelete, should have taken into consideration. I (surprisingly) side with Terry Bradshaw who I think was the person that said to him that he's making gobs of $$ and his team is counting on him -- just wait 'till you retire before you ride. Also, Martha made a mistake. That situation is different, in essence, because it resulted in an accident. Also, I don't think poor 'ole Martha was being egged on by a Buick Century nor did she choose to egg on any other car, willingly. She likely had a lapse and made a mistake. It wasn't a willing lapse, but it was a mistake. I guess since it happened to involve a person that was "important", no one in Pittsburgh can forgive her....?

And to answer your questions, no, I've never gone 20 over the limits (75 mph over here) no have I gone over 100mph in my Porsche. The reasons are simple:
(1) I'm not THAT important that I HAVE to be somewhere in the few seconds or minutes I would gain by going that fast.
(2) I think speeds like that should only be achieved on proper courses (or Montana...?) as we have no Autobahn.
(3) It's not going to change the size of my penis one way or the other. As Neil Young sang, "It doesn't mean much to me to mean that much to you." Translated for this scenario: I don't need any more "props" that would (?) be gained by telling a friend I got my car over 100 mph or from speeding away from a stranger.

I'm not trying to put words into your mouth or make assumptions (hence the "?" -- see above). The way your story reads is that you pull over hoping that the police officer was going to go after the BMW, right? If THAT had happened, would you have gone up to the cop afterwards and accepted a ticket? Hell no. You would have likely pulled off at an exit parked somewhere off the road and sat for a hour or two hoping that no one came back, right? Then, instead of using "Deeeep trouble" your thread would have read "Cloooose Call". You gambled and lost. Rather than asking why you would slow down from 154, the better question would be what drove you to 154 in the first place. Seriously. Lots of people have piped in about speeding, but I haven't seen one say they topped 150 off the track.

Edit: Oh yeah, let's not forget that you are trying to NOT involve your dad in this even though you are on his insurance policy -- isn't that right?

Remember the origins of this thread.

The driver did over 150 MPH in a speed contest. He asked for advice on how to handle the aftermath, and received some very good advice from some of us.

Lets let it go now or at least stay on track.

Yes, it is "easy" to speed with these cars, and yes it is easy to rationalize it away.

It is also easy to kill yourself or someone else. When that happens, all you have is "sorry" to offer.

In some cases, that is faint consolation.

Then there is the law to deal with.

As they used to say on HSB, "Lets be careful out there!."

well that's true but leaves out some aspects of the question of quality of lawyer.

Most of the convictions that are reported in D.O.J statistics are for the crimes that law enforcement were of course able to make arrests on. This is overwhelmingly drug related where the evidence is as convincing as it gets. The conspiracy laws in the federal system were also a big help in convictions, as anyone who had any knowledge regardless of whether or not they actually directly involved were convicted. In my investigations and this was federal at the time, only the dumbest, slowest, most drug addicted def. were arrested, or their accomplices or the agency's C.I. set them up. The mules if you will..The evidence in nearly all of these cases was clear and convincing. Pretty hard to screw up a conviction unless you had a biased jury. Since this is the bulk of criminal cases where the quality of legal representation isn't going to make a difference its a bit misleading because the statistics don't distinguish between 'tough' cases for a prosecutor where the quality of legal representation is absolutely pivotal. But how do you measure that?
You can't.
not to mention after a conviction of a def. in the appellate courts, such as in capital cases where the average court appointed lawyer has an appellate budget so miniscule that its a nearly impossible task to do any sort of genuine research without assistance from legal charities. The indigent and destitute in states like Texas and Oklahoma are royally screwed. And since state courts are highly political where judges are often elected (vs. appointed by the President) their decisions have to please the public no matter what a skilled appellate lawyer is arguing. Well heck even the U.S. Supreme Court went political in Bush v. Gore.
That was a shock for even this jaded New Jerseyan.

Lets stay on point guys!

This poster has admitted to the crime.

Lets move on.

PS- if you want to debate the criminal justice system that is fine. Simply start a thread in the Porsche Lounge.

Well said Jim.

A similar thing happend to me many years ago and I lost my license for 6 months and paid a hefty fine. In hindsight it was the best thing that happened to me as I've not done something that stupid again. It was also the catalyst for a very big life change but that's another story. Worse thing that 'could' have happened was I hurt someone else. A fine and a suspension is small price to pay in comparison.

Not trying to bash on you TG2K, you know you did something stupid as you've stated. Just be glad you're lucky enough to get a fine and possible suspension. If you were in Australia especially NSW as young driver doing that speed you'd be locked up and your car taken away for sure.

Hi,

What is that? The All-American excuse? His brain wasn't developed, so he's not accountable for his actions?

While we're at it, let's include the Twinky defense, Latchkey Kid Syndrome, ADHD, and too much violence on TV.

I'm sorry, but this Country has young people between the ages of 21-25 in all sorts of positions of responsibility from OTR Truckers hauling all sorts of hazardous materials, to Police, Firemen, Air Traffic Controllers, Nurses, even some Doctors and Airline Pilots, not to mention about 65% of the Armed Forces to name only a few. Most of them perform these responsibilities splendidly.

And, let's not forget that society has determined that these people are old enough, mature enough, to buy alcohol, firearms, enter into contracts to buy Homes, Cars, and the like, not to mention, running for Office and casting a vote.

The Brain may not be fully developed, but that's no excuse. It is also said that a person has the ability to distinguish between right and wrong by the age of 7. And that's what didn't happen here.

Let's not cast aspersions on the entire age group because of the irresponsible behavior of a relative few. My hat's off to these kids!

I'll be counting on them to take care of me in my old age in 20 or so years, the same way I took care of their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents when I was their age...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

I'll be counting on them to take care of me in my old age in 20 or so years, the same way I took care of their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents when I was their age...

You are not kidding! I was looking at the Federal Governments accounting statements recently. Frankly, without A LOT of these kids paying big time into SS and Medicare, we are toast.

Long live the 20 yr olds and I hope we have a ton of them in wage paying jobs!

:D

WOOT, Jim mentioned Air Traffic Controllers.

I became a controller at age 22. :D

TrimGem - -

You're looking at a fine of up to $500 for first offense under Section 22348(b) and the Court can also order license suspension for up to 30 days for the first offense pursuant to Section 13200.5. You're also looking at traffic violation point count of 2 points pursuant to Section 12810(d)(1).

With mandatory penalty assessments and surcharges, the $500 will be much much more.

You're lucky that you weren't hit with reckless driving - - a misdeameanor.

By the way, which county were you pulled over in?

Trigem2k,
explain to me again why you sold your Radar Detector? I believe that's what you once said. That has to be a first!

I just got off the phone with a gentleman by the name of Mark from www.traffic-ticket-attorney.com. That law office is asking $4,000.00 flat rate to fight the ticket for me. According to him they have a 90% chance of winning the whole thing.

What do you guys think? Is $4k a little too much? Should I try and negotiate with them? They seem very helpful and he even said that if I decide not to go with them that he is more than willing to answer any question I may have free of charge.

@Perfectlap - You got me there. As soon as I saw the Highway Patrol Officer pull out of the dirt road I thought to myself WHERE IS THAT DAMN RADAR DECTOR WHEN I NEED IT MOST!

@dharrisonwu - I was cited in Banning, CA, that’s just 15 or so miles from Palm Desert.

~James

I think Mark must be Sherman's partner or something--he's the guy I talked to the one time I had some inquiries. He was very nice and helpful, but in the end I didn't need to go with them.

$4000 is a lot of money. Unfortunately I can't weigh the cost/benefit for you. :(

Eslai,

What is the reason you decided not to go with them?

How much $ did they ask you to fight your ticket?

What was your ticket for?

~James

Trigem,


Considering the potential for raised insurance costs, traffic school cost and fines, four thousand might be a wash. Have you considered offering him $3,500.00 ? Seems to me the four grand although harsh, is probably the way to go. Just don't think about what you could have put on the car for four large and you'll be OK.

well me thinks that you are looking at least $1000 in penalties and surcharges for this year if you go it alone. Then you'll have increases in your insurance for several years to come as well. By the end of it all it could end up costing you about the same as hiring this lawyer or more if you lose. It's a gamble for sure.

I know here in NJ an under 25 year old driver in a home with a Porsche in the garage will jack up everyones insurance in the house if there is a suspension.
If you are forced to insure on your own you would pay about $5K a year here in NJ with a suspension. I had a $500 increase because I failed to pay a $30 parking ticket within 60 days and the state DMV allowed this township to suspend my license over this one ticket! No points or accidents in 15 years and they still jacked up my insurance $500. Amazing... I don't know if CA has similarly high rates these days.

What do you pay if they throw the book at you in court? Still on the hook for the $4K?

I'd plead poverty since you are trying to do this without your folks footing the bill.
Maybe Perry Mason will drop a few bucks off the price.

Though the $4,000 sounds like a lot, in the long run this little lapse in judgement will likely cost you more than that in fines and increased insurance costs.

I do have questions, though. How does Super Attorney expect to get you off completely on 154mph, as clocked by radar? What guarantee does he give you that he'll be successful? Does he take a drastically reduced rate if he fails? I ask because I suspect that you'll be one of his 10% who are found guilty.

There are not a lot of variables in your case. You can't attempt to place blame on the BMW or the matter of being involved in a speed contest becomes an issue. Terrain doesn't seem to be an issue based on where you were. If the citation itself was filled out correctly, that leaves the calibration of the Officer's radar or laser device. If the Officer produces his latest calibration card, you're sunk at trial.

Is he planning to cut a deal before going to trial? To me, that seems like your best chance. You should find out his whole strategy before forking over the four grand.

Connections, collected favors, reltationships which profit both parties, in short, the American court system.

"Connections, collected favors, reltationships which profit both parties, in short, the American court system."

Paul Wolfowitz is a judge, too? *L* Such knowledge of medicine, policing and the legal system! That must be a big family -- D Wade has a better chance of getting into Sir Charles's 5, than your network.

I, too am curious as to the super attorney's power. You'd think that an experienced lawyer would have a great deal of experience in trying similar cases, so you aren't forking over a lot of money for the attorney to do research. My guess is his argument would be similar to any number of cases he has already handled, right? 85% dismissal rate... a solid B, not exactly, "most every case"... wait, he does "consider himself" to be the best traffic ticket guy... So, you are paying by the hour... It's California, right? Probably $1k to park near the court... Not sure if California has to have a jury seated for this or whether you plead before a judge, so... is it about $1.5-2k/hr? Not a bad life. Of course, if you lose, you are looking into $4k plus fines, etc. If you haven't already, suck it up and talk to your dad (as suggested by many others in this thread) about the choices (especially if it is HIS policy that will be in question) rather than strangers on the internet.

What a bunch of jealous GUYS on this BB. Not that it matters but my dad worked in the county court system for 30 years, during that time I was exposed to numerous judges and their "off record" opinions. You would clearly be surprised at what they truly believe and how situations like this are handled. Unlike you I respect your right to your own thoughts, btw no need to worry about my Radiology abilites, you just worry about you and your job OK? Jesus, no wonder people think Porsche owners are pretentious nitwits, apparently some are.

You could try telling the judge that you are a mob boss and then threaten his family. That can't do anything but help you in this situation.

jealous? of what? That I haven't gotten a ticket for doin' 124? Or than D Wade doesn't want to be in my 5? *L* Easy. You need to re-read your own posts before you condem everyone else's opinion. You make blanket statements (e.g. about the judicial system) and get offended by another's opinion? Maybe, I happen to be in law... maybe the police... what do you know (aside from "more" than me, right?) maybe I'm a judge suing for $65 mil over a misplaced pair of pants. As for the prententious comment, are you sure you know what that word means?

I don't care what you do, have a nice day...

Aw, how sweet. Thank you. :)

That aside, I still am curious and hope to hear what supa-lawya has to say.

cfos, in all fairness, if you are the judge who is doing that, then all of us should be berating you.

Jeez, all I did was drive home from the office and this thread took a hard left and turned into a pissing contest. Cool.

I do take exception to the over-generalization that we're a bunch of dicks, when only two guys seem to be having a disagreement and the rest of us are just trying our best to help a kid who got himself in a jam.

How many dicks constitute a bunch anyway? Is it like six dicks is a bunch, or maybe twelve dicks? Do the dicks come in a paper sack like baguettes and you carry them home from the store with all the dicks sticking out the top of the bag?

C'mon ya pretentious nitwits, lighten up.

@ Dr. Kill: True. No, I am not that judge. Likewise, not all judges are him, are corrupt, etc.

@Grizzly: Funny thing is, "prick" is the more commonly used term in the Northeast, and though I'm not up on my "Team America" speech, there are two other body parts included.

Sad to say, I've never seen Team America. I keep meaning to. If my account was off, forgive me, I'm just repeating the bunch of pricks I work with.

That judge is THE MAN!!! My dry cleaner lost my favorite shirt of all time and then yelled at me for liking it so much while he blew smoke circles in my face.
I could do nothing but meekly protest that I would never bring another article of clothing to him again...while he laughed at me some more and the other patrons pretended not to know me.

Oh, that is a good one. Very funny. We even bought the soundtrack.

hmm, it sounds like we might use the same dry cleaner.

I'm not fond of dry cleaners, although the current one we use is ok. From what I know of the story of the judge, the dry cleaners did find his pants 2 weeks later, offered him $12k and was rejected.

Team America is worth the rental, if only for that speech.